“Put Safety First: 10 Spring Landscaping Tips for Safe Outdoor Equipment Operation “
As the weather warms up it’s essential to prioritize safety when operating outdoor power equipment. Whether you’re a professional landscaper or a homeowner, following these tips will help ensure a safe and enjoyable spring season.
1.) Identify the Differences in Your Equipment
There are many types of mowers and outdoor power equipment, each with its unique design, weight classification, and safety requirements, before using any equipment, it’s essential to understand these differences and ensure that you and your crew are trained in safe operation for each specific type of machine.
2.) Review Equipment with Your Crews Before the Season Begins
Before the start of the season, review equipment safety features and manufacturer guidelines with your crew to ensure safe operation. Perform spot safety checks on job sites and incorporate safety checks into your morning routine. Making safety, a top priority can prevent accidents and reduce the risk of injury.
3.) Ensure Safety Features are Operable
Check that all safety features on your equipment are functioning correctly, and never disable or modify any safety equipment. Review safety features with your crew and check equipment when it returns from a job site to ensure everything is in working order.
4.) Keep Children Away from Machines During Operation
Never allow children to operate or be near outdoor power equipment during use. Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for bystanders who may be nearby.
5.) Walk the Areas You Intend to Mow
Green lawn (with a bit of clover) in a colourful landscaped formal garden.
Before mowing, walk the area to be cut and remind your crew to do the same. Look for potential hazards like slopes, wet grass, and fallen branches or objects. Inspect trees for damaged limbs that may harm equipment or crew members.
6.) Identify Slopes in Advance
Be sure to follow all manufacturer guidance regarding operating machinery on slopes. Knowing the grade of the slope and understanding how to navigate it safely can help prevent accidents.
7.) Make Manufacturer Guidance Readily Available
Ensure that manufacturer-supplied owner’s manuals and guidance are readily available to your crew, even in different languages. Keep a copy of the manuals in an easily accessible location, such as the break room or work vehicles.
8.) Look Over Equipment Before Use in the Field
Before taking equipment into the field, check thoroughly to ensure everything is in working order. Check the air filter, oil level, and gasoline tank, and replace any missing or damaged parts. For battery-powered equipment, check the battery connections and ensure that you have the appropriate, manufacturer-recommended batteries.
9.) Protect Your Power
Use only E10 or less fuel in gasoline-powered outdoor power equipment not designed for higher ethanol blends. Add a fuel stabilizer if you don’t use up all the fuel in the tank immediately. Burn off any fuel before storing the mower for more than 30 days. Use only manufacturer-specified battery packs for battery-powered equipment and follow all charging instructions as outlined in the owner’s manual.
10.) Keep Your Equipment Clean
Keeping your equipment clean will help it run more efficiently and last longer. Remove dirt, oil, and grass before using and storing, and store equipment in a dry place, avoiding damp environments
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